The £27.5 million purchase of Marouane Fellaini from Everton on deadline day was David Moyes's only major piece of business over the summer and the Netherlands icon believes that the lack of fresh blood in the squad has contributed to a slow start.

It is a situation which he expects to be rectified in January, however.

"I can fully understand that Moyes has now asked the board to sanction the purchase of three top-class footballers in the winter to keep the team competing at the highest level in England and Europe," Gullit told the press.

"I have reason to believe that funds are being made available at United and they should because it is a necessity.

"And when they do buy those three stars, it will be easier to let Wayne Rooney follow his heart if he wants to leave.

"They kept basically the same team and squad in the summer, which is why they are inconsistent in the Premier League. The club is also struggling to get going without Sir Alex Ferguson. They are missing his presence and his personality.

"There is no longer the man who shakes the place up internally and who has the guts to dish things out to the FA, to referees or other authorities. Ferguson always got away with his strong voice. In fact, he always came out stronger, as they would all take notice of what he said.

"David Moyes does not have that status yet and you can’t expect him to take on that role overnight."